Group Manager for the Biological Threat Emergency Response Group

Biological Threat Emergency Response Group Manager - CR555

Are you a Scientist interested in a management role in biological threat & emergency response testing?

Come join DGS as the Group Manager for the Biological Threat Emergency Response Group! 

Title: Group Manager for the Biological Threat Emergency Response Group

State Role Title: Scientist Manager I

Hiring Range: $98,000 - $113,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services

Location: Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) is seeking an experienced laboratory professional to serve as the Group Manager for the Biological Threat Emergency Response Group. The selected candidate will be responsible for management of all biological threat testing and support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory Response Network as well as other external partners.

Virginia's DCLS is an all hazards emergency response laboratory that provides 24/7 laboratory testing services to hundreds of local state and federal agencies including the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and federal partners including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Homeland (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Postal Service (USPS). 

As part of the Biological Threat Emergency Response Group (BTER) in DCLS, the Group Manager works in concert with the Lead Scientist to ensure continuous emergency testing preparedness, assist with preparing federal grants that support emergency testing at DCLS, and ensure compliance with select agent regulations. The Group Manager leads a team of staff providing 24/7/365 testing for biological threat and emergency testing in a BSL-3 laboratory setting.  These data are provided to the Sentinel Hospital sites, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Law Enforcement and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This role requires experience with team leadership, human resources, quality assurance, and document development. This position participates in a 24/7 on-call program at DCLS.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise scientists and manage work processes relating to moderate and high complexity laboratory analytical testing for biothreat agents.
• Provide leadership and apply effective management principles to deliver a timely service of the highest quality.
• Support the DCLS Quality Management System by monitoring the compliance of group members with all QA policies and that employee training objectives are met to ensure the accuracy and integrity of DCLS laboratory test results which includes compliance with CLIA, FSAP, BSL-3.
• Work with Chief of Laboratory Operations and/or Business Manager to develop fiscal requirements for personnel, capital investment and operating expenses using departmental guidelines and within division target deadlines. 

This position will be located in Richmond, Virginia and must report on-site. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 1 day/week) after 6 months of satisfactory performance and upon completion of an approved telework agreement.

We’ve got great benefits!

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available, and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualifications meeting requirements for Technical Supervisor as defined by CLIA in 42 CFR 493.1449 (ex: Have earned a bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution AND at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing).
• Knowledge of working in a BSL-3 environment and working with high consequence pathogens.
• Knowledge of the Federal Select Agent Program.
• Experience with supervising personnel and team leadership.
• Experience coordinating, leading, and prioritizing work of others.
• Considerable knowledge of the theory and application of microbiology, immunology or molecular testing. 
• Knowledge of general fiscal management and procurement
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and mentor personnel.
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation requirements (i.e. CLIA), QA/QC, and the interpretation of QC data.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices at different biosafety levels i.e. BSL-2, BSL-3.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

This position is supported by a federal grant and is a restricted salary position. This is a full-time restricted position funded by a federal grant and includes state benefits. As a restricted employee you are eligible for the state employee benefits package (Leave, retirement, worker’s compensation & life insurance) however, not eligible for severance benefits or the provisions of the DHRM layoff policy 2.20 Types of Employment for general terms and conditions.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check along with a federal security risk assessment (FD-961). The selected candidate will be responsible for testing clinical and environmental samples for select agents and toxins regulated by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) and must pass an FBI background security clearance check, a FSAP background check as well as health clearance to work with select agents.

Additional Considerations

• Experience with immunological diagnostic methods.
• Experience with conventional bacteriological methods.
• Experience presenting scientific information to a variety of partners.
• Experience working in a BSL-3 environment and working with high consequence pathogens.
• Experience with molecular detection and characterization methods.
• Experience performing laboratory quality or safety audits and implementing corrections.
• Experience operating or troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment.
• Leadership or management experience in a high complexity laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and Microsoft Office software.

Special Instructions

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all of your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application.

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov.

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910. 

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will continue to be accepted until a suitable pool of candidates is received.  This position can close at any time after September 9, 2025.   Please refer to the “Your Application” page in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants in need of accommodation during the application and/or interview process may contact DGS at 804-786-3910 for assistance.   

Sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. DGS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The selected candidate must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check along with a federal security risk assessment (FD-961). The selected candidate will be responsible for testing clinical and environmental samples for select agents and toxins regulated by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) and must pass an FBI background security clearance check, a FSAP background check as well as health clearance to work with select agents.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. In order to comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.  DCLS complies with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard which requires passing a respiratory physical prior to working in a BSL3 laboratory.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties. 

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply. 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information 

Name: DGS Human Resources 

Phone: 804-786-3910 

Email: jobs@dgs.virginia.gov